Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is a condition in which stomach juices move up the esophagus from time to time. This causes a burning effect, difficulty in swallowing and occasionally, abdominal pains. A hernia in the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) is a well-known cause of the problem. Initial management involves lifestyle changes and the use of medication but surgery becomes a necessity if a response is not seen. Before undergoing reflux surgery Tx residents need to know several things beforehand.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
It is necessary to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the operation. The first step is to be evaluated by a doctor on the need to have this operation. The doctor should also determine whether one is fit enough to be operated on. A full blood count and kidney function tests are among the tests that may have to be performed. In case one is on blood thinning medication, the drugs may have to be continued for some time.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
It is necessary to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the operation. The first step is to be evaluated by a doctor on the need to have this operation. The doctor should also determine whether one is fit enough to be operated on. A full blood count and kidney function tests are among the tests that may have to be performed. In case one is on blood thinning medication, the drugs may have to be continued for some time.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
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